BEIJING 2008

Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the men's 200-meter butterfly final at the National Aquatics Centre during day 5 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Phelps finished the race in 1.52.49 -- a new world record. 9601280

Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the men's 200-meter butterfly final at the National Aquatics Centre during day 5 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Phelps finished the race in 1.52.49 -- a new world record.

Adam Pretty/Getty Images

ATHENS 2004

ATHENS 2004

Pyrros Dimas of Greece jumps in the air as he celebrates a successful lift in the men's 85 kg category weightlifting competition during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall.9601280

Pyrros Dimas of Greece jumps in the air as he celebrates a successful lift in the men's 85 kg category weightlifting competition during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall.

Al Bello/Getty Images

SYDNEY 2000

SYDNEY 2000

Xuan Liu of China in action at the women's gymnastics beam final in the Sydney Superdome on day 10 of the 2000 Olympic Games. 9601280

Xuan Liu of China in action at the women's gymnastics beam final in the Sydney Superdome on day 10 of the 2000 Olympic Games.

Ezra Shaw /Allsport

ATLANTA 1996

ATLANTA 1996

Igor Potapovich of Kazakhstan soars through the flame-lit sky to clear the bar and claim fourth in the pole vault at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. 9601280

Igor Potapovich of Kazakhstan soars through the flame-lit sky to clear the bar and claim fourth in the pole vault at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Mike Hewitt /Allsport /Getty Images

BARCELONA 1992

BARCELONA 1992

Michael Jordon, Scottie Pippen and Clyde Drexler receive their gold medals as members of the US basketball "dream team" during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. 9601280

Michael Jordon, Scottie Pippen and Clyde Drexler receive their gold medals as members of the US basketball "dream team" during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Mike Powell/Getty Images

SEOUL 1988

SEOUL 1988

Greg Louganis of the US diving team sets himself for a dive in the springboard event at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, where he won the gold with a score of 730.80 points. 9601280

Greg Louganis of the US diving team sets himself for a dive in the springboard event at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, where he won the gold with a score of 730.80 points.

Getty Images

LOS ANGELES 1984

LOS ANGELES 1984

Carl Lewis of the US receives the baton from teammate Calvin Smith as he brings the US team to victory with a new world-record time of 37.83 seconds in the 4x100-meter relay during the 1984 Olympic Games at the Coliseum Stadium in Los Angeles. 9601280

Carl Lewis of the US receives the baton from teammate Calvin Smith as he brings the US team to victory with a new world-record time of 37.83 seconds in the 4x100-meter relay during the 1984 Olympic Games at the Coliseum Stadium in Los Angeles.

Tony Duffy/Getty Images

MOSCOW 1980

MOSCOW 1980

Maria Caridad-Colon of Cuba in action during the women's javelin event of the 1980 Olympic Games at the Lenin Stadium in Moscow. Caridad-Colon won the event with a distance of 68.40 meters. 9601280

Maria Caridad-Colon of Cuba in action during the women's javelin event of the 1980 Olympic Games at the Lenin Stadium in Moscow. Caridad-Colon won the event with a distance of 68.40 meters.

Tony Duffy/Allsport

MONTREAL 1976

MONTREAL 1976

Bruce Jenner of the US celebrates during his record-setting performance in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. 9601280

Bruce Jenner of the US celebrates during his record-setting performance in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty

MUNICH 1972

MUNICH 1972

Competitors rise out of the blocks at the start of the men's 200 meter final at the Olympiastadion in Munich. 9601280

Competitors rise out of the blocks at the start of the men's 200 meter final at the Olympiastadion in Munich.

Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty

MEXICO CITY 1968

MEXICO CITY 1968

At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed their Black Power salute, a human rights protest and one of the most overtly-political statements in the 110-year history of the modern Olympic Games.9601280

At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed their Black Power salute, a human rights protest and one of the most overtly-political statements in the 110-year history of the modern Olympic Games.

Universal History Archive/Getty Images

TOKYO 1964

TOKYO 1964

The start of the 100-meter butterfly swimming race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. 9601280

The start of the 100-meter butterfly swimming race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Keystone/Getty Images

ROME 1960

ROME 1960

Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia, running barefoot, draws away from Abdesselem Rhadi of Morocco near the finish of the marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He went on to win with a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 16 seconds. 9601280

Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia, running barefoot, draws away from Abdesselem Rhadi of Morocco near the finish of the marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He went on to win with a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 16 seconds.

Getty Images

MELBOURNE 1956

MELBOURNE 1956

Chris Brasher of Great Britain during the steeplechase final event at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.9601280

Chris Brasher of Great Britain during the steeplechase final event at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

Getty Images

HELSINKI 1952

HELSINKI 1952

Nina Romaschkova of Russia throws the discus at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. She won Russia's first Olympic medal and set a new Olympic record. 9601280

Nina Romaschkova of Russia throws the discus at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. She won Russia's first Olympic medal and set a new Olympic record.

Getty Images

LONDON 1948

LONDON 1948

Danish competitor Major N Mikkelsen fails to win the jumping test event as his horse demolishes a fence at the 1948 Olympics in London. 9601280

Danish competitor Major N Mikkelsen fails to win the jumping test event as his horse demolishes a fence at the 1948 Olympics in London.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

BERLIN 1936

BERLIN 1936

American athlete Jesse Owens runs at the 1936 Olympic Games, where he won 4 gold medals. Behind him, an athlete wears a swastika on his vest. 9601280

American athlete Jesse Owens runs at the 1936 Olympic Games, where he won 4 gold medals. Behind him, an athlete wears a swastika on his vest.

Central Press/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES 1932

LOS ANGELES 1932

Thomas Hampson of Great Britain breaks the tape ahead of Alexander Wilson of Canada to win gold and set a new world record at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1932. 9601280

Thomas Hampson of Great Britain breaks the tape ahead of Alexander Wilson of Canada to win gold and set a new world record at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1932.

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

AMSTERDAM 1928

AMSTERDAM 1928

The Chilean goalkeeper fails to prevent Portugal from winning at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928. 9601280

The Chilean goalkeeper fails to prevent Portugal from winning at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928.

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

PARIS 1924

PARIS 1924

Preliminary rounds in the water polo competition take place in the pool at Tourelles during the Paris Olympics in 1924. 9601280

Preliminary rounds in the water polo competition take place in the pool at Tourelles during the Paris Olympics in 1924.

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

ANTWERP 1920

ANTWERP 1920

Suzanne Lenglen of France competes in the women’s tennis event during the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium. 9601280

Suzanne Lenglen of France competes in the women’s tennis event during the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium.

Getty Images

STOCKHOLM 1912

STOCKHOLM 1912

The opening ceremonies of the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. 9601280

The opening ceremonies of the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm.

Getty Images

LONDON 1908

LONDON 1908

Women archers participate at the 1908 London Olympics.9601280

Women archers participate at the 1908 London Olympics.

Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS 1904

ST. LOUIS 1904

The 100-meter freestyle race, which was won by Hungarian swimmer Zoltan Halmay at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.9601280

The 100-meter freestyle race, which was won by Hungarian swimmer Zoltan Halmay at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Popperfoto/Getty Images

PARIS 1900

PARIS 1900

The Tug-of-War was a controversial affair, with a combined Sweden/Denmark team beating France in the 1900 Paris Olympics. 9601280

The Tug-of-War was a controversial affair, with a combined Sweden/Denmark team beating France in the 1900 Paris Olympics.

Getty Images

ATHENS 1896

ATHENS 1896

The start of the 100-meter sprint at the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896 in Athens. 9601280

The start of the 100-meter sprint at the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896 in Athens.

Getty Images

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2014 Winter Olympics

2014 Winter Olympics

The 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the 22nd Olympic Winter Games, will be held in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014. Sochi, located just north on the Black Sea coast, is Russia’s largest resort city.9601280

The 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the 22nd Olympic Winter Games, will be held in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014. Sochi, located just north on the Black Sea coast, is Russia’s largest resort city.

Thinkstock

Snowboarding in Sochi

Snowboarding in Sochi

Sochi is located near the Caucasus Mountains, making it a perfect destination for snowboarding, skiing and other Winter Olympic sports.9601280

Sochi is located near the Caucasus Mountains, making it a perfect destination for snowboarding, skiing and other Winter Olympic sports.

Thinkstock

2016 Summer Olympics

2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympic Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The borough of Barra de Tijuca will host most of the venues of the Games. The rest will be located in 3 other zones: Copacabana Beach, Maracanã and Deodoro. Maracanã Stadium (pictured) is currently closed for renovations and upgrades in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.9601280

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympic Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The borough of Barra de Tijuca will host most of the venues of the Games. The rest will be located in 3 other zones: Copacabana Beach, Maracanã and Deodoro. Maracanã Stadium (pictured) is currently closed for renovations and upgrades in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Thinkstock

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

While you’re in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics, make sure you check out some of the top tourist attractions, including a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. Take your best shot, and get great panoramic views of the bustling city below.9601280

While you’re in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics, make sure you check out some of the top tourist attractions, including a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. Take your best shot, and get great panoramic views of the bustling city below.

Thinkstock

2018 Winter Olympics

2018 Winter Olympics

For the 2018 Winter Olympics, head to Pyeongchang, located in South Korea’s Taebaek Mountains region. Alpensia ski resort (pictured) -- a tourist attraction with 6 slopes for skiing and snowboarding -- will be the focus of the 2018 Cultural Olympiad. A new, multipurpose concert hall will be built within the resort.9601280

For the 2018 Winter Olympics, head to Pyeongchang, located in South Korea’s Taebaek Mountains region. Alpensia ski resort (pictured) -- a tourist attraction with 6 slopes for skiing and snowboarding -- will be the focus of the 2018 Cultural Olympiad. A new, multipurpose concert hall will be built within the resort.

Korea.net, Flickr

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbok Palace

South Korea has already set the wheels in motion to build an express rail line that will get tourists and locals from Seoul to Pyeongchang in about 50 minutes. The new rail line is scheduled to be completed in 2017. Travelers will have an opportunity to visit historic landmarks like Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace, and enjoy the Winter Games at the InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort.9601280

South Korea has already set the wheels in motion to build an express rail line that will get tourists and locals from Seoul to Pyeongchang in about 50 minutes. The new rail line is scheduled to be completed in 2017. Travelers will have an opportunity to visit historic landmarks like Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace, and enjoy the Winter Games at the InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort.

Thinkstock

Remembering the 2012 Summer Olympics

Remembering the 2012 Summer Olympics

Millions of athletes and spectators from around the world converged on London’s Olympic Park and Olympic Stadium (pictured) for the 2012 Summer Games. The stadium, surrounded by waterways on 3 sides, is the heart of the Olympic Park. Two spectacular opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held here, as well as some of the most iconic sports events.9601280

Millions of athletes and spectators from around the world converged on London’s Olympic Park and Olympic Stadium (pictured) for the 2012 Summer Games. The stadium, surrounded by waterways on 3 sides, is the heart of the Olympic Park. Two spectacular opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held here, as well as some of the most iconic sports events.

Getty Images

Tower Bridge Summer Festival

Tower Bridge Summer Festival

In addition to the Summer Games in London, locals and visitors enjoyed the Tower Bridge Summer Festival 2012, a season of events held at D&D London’s 4 Butlers Wharf restaurants. Spectators sat back and enjoyed a variety of special events while eating and drinking alfresco.9601280

In addition to the Summer Games in London, locals and visitors enjoyed the Tower Bridge Summer Festival 2012, a season of events held at D&D London’s 4 Butlers Wharf restaurants. Spectators sat back and enjoyed a variety of special events while eating and drinking alfresco.

VisitBritain/Craig Easton

Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard

The show must go on! The Mall and half of St. James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, shut down for the Olympic beach volleyball tournament, marathon and road cycling events. The Changing of the Guard on Horse Guards Parade took a new route and was held on different days at different times to preserve the royal ceremony and avoid a clash with the sports schedule.9601280

The show must go on! The Mall and half of St. James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, shut down for the Olympic beach volleyball tournament, marathon and road cycling events. The Changing of the Guard on Horse Guards Parade took a new route and was held on different days at different times to preserve the royal ceremony and avoid a clash with the sports schedule.

photolibrary.com

Torch Relay

Torch Relay

The Olympic torch relay is one of the first signs that the Summer Olympic Games are only a few months away. Here, the ceremonial torch is passed on to another lucky Olympic torchbearer. The torch relay for the 2012 Summer Games in London started in Land’s End and concluded on Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Olympics opening ceremony.9601280

The Olympic torch relay is one of the first signs that the Summer Olympic Games are only a few months away. Here, the ceremonial torch is passed on to another lucky Olympic torchbearer. The torch relay for the 2012 Summer Games in London started in Land’s End and concluded on Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Olympics opening ceremony.

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Located in Cornwall, Land's End will be the first overnight stop for the Olympic torch. The small settlement sits atop rocky cliffs in the most southwestern corner of England.9601280

Located in Cornwall, Land's End will be the first overnight stop for the Olympic torch. The small settlement sits atop rocky cliffs in the most southwestern corner of England.

VisitBritain

Millennium Centre

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On May 25, the torch will spend the night in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The Wales Millennium Centre greets visitors with an inscription that reads, "In These Stones Horizons Sing," and in Welsh words that translate as, "Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration."9601280

On May 25, the torch will spend the night in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The Wales Millennium Centre greets visitors with an inscription that reads, "In These Stones Horizons Sing," and in Welsh words that translate as, "Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration."

VisitBritain

Aberystwyth

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The coastal town of Aberystwyth will have an evening celebration for the torch on May 27. Considered the cultural capital of Wales, it is also home to the ruins of the 12th-century Aberystwyth castle ruins.9601280

The coastal town of Aberystwyth will have an evening celebration for the torch on May 27. Considered the cultural capital of Wales, it is also home to the ruins of the 12th-century Aberystwyth castle ruins.

VisitBritain

Penrhyn Castle

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On May 28, the torch will stop in Bangor, one of the smallest cities in the UK and home to Penrhyn Castle, which overlooks the Snowdonia Mountains. 9601280

On May 28, the torch will stop in Bangor, one of the smallest cities in the UK and home to Penrhyn Castle, which overlooks the Snowdonia Mountains.

VisitBritain

Edinburgh Castle

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On June 13, the torch will hop over to Scotland for a stop in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle reminds visitors of Scotland's historical roots. 9601280

On June 13, the torch will hop over to Scotland for a stop in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle reminds visitors of Scotland's historical roots.

VisitBritain

Alnwick Castle

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Alnwick Castle will welcome the torch on June 14. Guarded by stone-carved lions, the castle in the Northumberland region dates back to the 11th century, although it's more commonly known for its role as the Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter films. 9601280

Alnwick Castle will welcome the torch on June 14. Guarded by stone-carved lions, the castle in the Northumberland region dates back to the 11th century, although it's more commonly known for its role as the Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter films.

VisitBritain

Lake Windermere

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The torch will arrive at Bowness-on-Windermere, home to England's largest natural lake, on June 21. The secluded town in the heart of the Lake District has been a tourist attraction since the Victorian era, drawing visitors with its watersports and scenic views.9601280

The torch will arrive at Bowness-on-Windermere, home to England's largest natural lake, on June 21. The secluded town in the heart of the Lake District has been a tourist attraction since the Victorian era, drawing visitors with its watersports and scenic views.

VisitBritain

Coventry Cathedral

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These stained glass windows can be found inside Coventry Cathedral in the ancient city of Coventry, which will welcome the torch on July 1. The cathedral that stands today was built 50 years ago next to the ruins of the old cathedral, symbolizing the revival of the city after the Blitz bombing raids of World War II.9601280

These stained glass windows can be found inside Coventry Cathedral in the ancient city of Coventry, which will welcome the torch on July 1. The cathedral that stands today was built 50 years ago next to the ruins of the old cathedral, symbolizing the revival of the city after the Blitz bombing raids of World War II.

VisitBritain

Radcliffe Camera

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On July 9, the torch will come to Oxford where the Radcliffe Camera, or "Rad Cam" as it is commonly called, has been standing since 1749. The circular science library is an iconic landmark in this culturally diverse region. 9601280

On July 9, the torch will come to Oxford where the Radcliffe Camera, or "Rad Cam" as it is commonly called, has been standing since 1749. The circular science library is an iconic landmark in this culturally diverse region.

VisitBritain

Weymouth

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The torch will pass through the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset on July 12. Together with the town of Portland, Weymouth will host the 2012 Olympic sailing events. 9601280

The torch will pass through the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset on July 12. Together with the town of Portland, Weymouth will host the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

VisitBritain

Jersey

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The torch will pass through the region of Jersey on July 15. Part of the Channel Islands, the area is a popular destination for athletes, with picturesque beaches and 100 miles of bike trails.9601280

The torch will pass through the region of Jersey on July 15. Part of the Channel Islands, the area is a popular destination for athletes, with picturesque beaches and 100 miles of bike trails.

VisitBritain

Old Town

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Hastings Old Town will celebrate the arrival of the torch on July 17. Full of history with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets (called "twittens" by the locals), Old Town is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe. 9601280

Hastings Old Town will celebrate the arrival of the torch on July 17. Full of history with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets (called "twittens" by the locals), Old Town is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.